Button sewing machine and method of sewing buttons



Oct. 19, 1948.

c. w. JOHNSON ET AL 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 3, 1944 MAIR JOHNSON H A.NE'.U

g 354 INVENTOR ATTO R N EY JOSEP BY UUUUUU 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 gs @M w @N R @W QRM mam 9% NM I o o bk @h @w ww Y www 0N5 E Q Q mfiw Q a TH N S m SNNQ m n m NWN .QQN VJA T C. W. JOHNSON ET AL Oct. 19, 1948.

BUTTON SEWING MACHINE AND METHOD OF SEWING BUTTONS Filed Feb. -3, 1944 V Qw NQ NQ J BUTTON SEWING MACHINE AND METHOD OF SEWING BUTTONS Filed Feb. 5, 1944 Oct. 19, 1948. c. w. JOHNSON ET AL 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENT'OR CARL W. JOH NSON JOSEPH A. NEUMAIR TTORNEY QM wkw www u Kw Patented Oct. 19, 1948 BUTTON SEWING MACHINE AND METHOD OF SEWING BUTTONS Carl W. Johnson, Brooklyn, and Joseph A. Neumair, Hollis, N. Y., assignors to American Machine and Foundry Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application February 3, 1944, Serial No. 520,876

33 Claims.

This invention relates to sewing methods and machines, and more particularly to a novel method of sewing buttons to articles of clothing or other materials in a manner closely simulating hand sewing and mechanism for performing this method. The machine constituting the invention can be adapted to sew buttons flat against the material to which the button is atcached or to provide a shank which supports the afiixed button away from the material supporting surface.

In known types of button sewing machines, buttons are usually secured to articles of clothing or the like by one or more lengths of thread passed through the holes and work, and secured in interconnected loops beneath the exposed surface of the work. According to the present invention, buttons are sewed to desired material with a short thread passing loosely through the eye of a double pointed needle which is projected back and forth through the material and selected button holes in such a manner that the thread travels in continuous closed paths.- In this manner one or more or any number of complete continuous loops of thread are made to bind the button to the work. The machine may be of the same general type as that disclosed in copending application, Serial No. 355,738, filed September 7, 1940, by Carl W. Johnson, now Patent 2,386,800, granted October 16, 1945.

The machine is adapted to afiix either two or four hole buttons. If desired, the thread may be passed through the holes diagonally or parallelly according to the requirements of a particular job. Upon completion of each button sewing operation the thread is cut and the end secured.

If buttons are to be provided with a shank, special means are employed for supporting the button a desired distance from the surface of the material to which it is to be attached. In this case a length of thread is passed through one of the button holes and drawn laterally between the underside of the button and the upper face of the material and supported by a spinner. At the conclusion of the sewing operations, the spinnor is rotated to wind the length of thread about those parts of the continuous loops of thread extending between the button and the material. This operation gives a hand-finished appearance to the job, and also strengthens the shank much in the manner obtained when buttons are sewed by hand. This type of sewing is usually employed in affixing buttons to suits, coats, and other articles of wearing apparel.

It is an object of my invention to provide an improved method of and a machine for sewing buttons to articles of clothing, and other materials.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a method of and a machine for sewing buttons to a supporting material in a manner closely simulating hand sewing.

It is an added object of the invention to provide a button sewing method and. machine which utilizes a double pointed needle and needle bars which project the needle and a thread back and forth through selected holes in a button to affix the same to wearing apparel or other material in a manner simulating hand sewing.

It is a further object of the invention to provide button sewing mechanism including a button support operating in conjunction with a pair of opposed needle bars which project a double pointed needle and a short thread back and forth through the work such that the thread is constrained to travel in closed continuous paths through selected holes in the button and form closed continuous loops which secure the button to the work.

It is an added object of the invention to provide mechanism for sewing buttons to desired materials including a movable button support which locates a button properly with respect to the needle and displaces the button in timed relation relative to the moving needle so that the thread carried by the needle is constrained to move in a closed continuous path or paths through selected holes in the button and form continuous binding loops in the button and material to which it is attached.

The invention also consists in the provision of a movable button support and positioner which travels in a plane substantially at right angles to the path of movement of a double pointed needle carrying a thread having a loose end which is pulled through the work and material during the formation of each complete stitch through the work and selected button holes as a result of the timed operations of the support and positioner, and the mechanism which pro- J'ects the needle back and forth through the assembled button and material. The invention also includes coacting devices for locating a length of thread between the button and material to which it is to be attached, and means for winding or wrapping said length of thread about portions of the loops of thread extending through the button into the material in order to strengthen the shank of thread thus formed,

needle, button and thread handling actuating mechanisms, and the mechanism which is responsible for winding a length of thread about the shank or portion-s of stitches extending between the bottom of the button and face of the material to which it is attached.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel method of and mechanism for sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing in which the button is separated from the material'bya shank or pedestal, and to provide a, rotating thread winding device or spinner which makes a plurality of revolutions about the shank in order to wrap the substantially parallel threads forming the shank and thereby give the completed job a hand tailored appearance.

Figure lis a side elevation, partly in section, of

a sewing machine equipped with the button stitching mechanism;

Figure 1a is a schematic view illustrating a preferred stitch arrangement produced by the button sewing mechanism;

Figure 2'is a sectional plan View of the button sewing mechanism, taken on line 2-2 of Figure 3;

Figure 3 is a sectional side elevation of the same taken on line 33 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged detailed plan view of I the button supporting, thread'displacer and stem winding mechanism;

Figure 5 is a sectional side elevation of the same, taken on line 55 of Figure 4;

Figure -6 is a sectional end elevation of the button sewing mechanism taken on line 6-6 of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional side elevational View illustrating the action of the thread displacer which moves a-short end of thread laterally out of the path of the needle;

Figure 8 illustrates the continuous looping stitch with which a button is secured to the material;

Figure 9 is a partial plan view showing the button supporting jaws in open position during the stem winding operation;

Figure 10 illustrates the tacking of the stem after the completion of the same;

Figure 11 is a front view of the button sewn to the material; and

Figure 12 illustrates'the back of the material to which the button is secured.

Referring to Figure 1, the sewing machine, which may be of the same general type as that shown in the above referred to Johnson Patent 2,386,800, consists of a center support frame 20 and a combination end frame and housing 22, the frames being secured to-and spaced by supporting members 24. The frame 20 supports a bracket 26 carrying the forward end of the sewing machine table 28, the rear end of the same being-secured to spaced blocks 30 which are fastened to the frame 22.

An upper needle bar 32 and a lower needle bar '34 arranged in opposed axial alignment are provided with actuator members 36 and 38. Members and 38are connected to extending arms face 82 of bridge 72.

40 and 42, respectively, at the forward end of their respective oscillating levers 44, and 56. The rear ends of these levers are provided with arms is and 50. 'Arms G8, 59 carry cam followers 52, 54 which engage in a cam track 56 of -a cam 53 driven by a pulley 60. Cam 58 may be formed as a separate member, oras in the present application, it may be formed integral with and on the inside face of pulley 60. Cam followers 52, 54 are positioned at diametrically opposite points in cam track 56. The rotation of cam 58, therefore, causes levers 44 and 46 to effect the reciprocation of needle bars 32, 34.

Levers 54 and 46 are pivotally mounted on shafts 62 and 64, shaft 62 being supported at one end in a hub 56 of a bracket .08 secured to the wall of member 22 and its other end in a lug 10 extending from a bridge I2 of member 22. One end of shaft 64 is supported in a hub M of a bracket '18 fastened to the wall of member 22; its other end is supported in a suitable bearing bracket l8 conveniently attached to the frame. The upper needle bar 32 is guided in suitable bushings, such as shown in the above mentioned patent, which are carried by lug projecting from the forward end 82 of bridge I2. The lower needle bar 34 is also guided in suitable bushings which are constructed and supported in the same manner as disclosed in Johnson Patent 2,386,800, and further description thereof is deemed unnecessary. This machine employs a double pointed needle 84 having a point at each end and an eye about midway of its length through which the thread passes. The actuator members 36 and 38 are held in place on their respective needle bars 32 and 34 by suitable lock nuts. The vertical extending portion of each member is provided with a suitable track each of which engages with a slidable rectangular block 86 and 88, respectively. These blocks by means of suitable studs are loosely mounted on the ends of arms 40, 42 respectively.

The machine is also equipped with a looper arm 90 which may be of the same general construction as disclosed in the above referred to Johnson patent. Looper arm 90, together with a tension finger 93, also disclosed in said patent, engage the thread in the same manner described in the patent, in order to guide and support the thread properly during-the operation of the machine. Looper arm 90 carrying looper 9! is secured to a shaft 92 which at one end is supported by housing 22, and at its other end in a hub 94 of a suitable bracket (not shown) secured tothe Looper arm 90 is actuated by means of a looper cam 95 which engages with a cam roller 98 pivoted to a stud I083 carried by a lever I02 secured to shaft 92. The cam roller 98 is held in engagement with cam 56 by means of a tension spring I04. Cam 9% actuates looper BI in the same general manner as described in said Johnson Patent 2,386,800.

Tension finger 93 is secured to an arm IE6 loosely mounted on shaft 92, the hub of arm III-6 bein mounted between fibre washers I08 serving to maintain frictional contact with looper arm 90 by means of a compression spring I I0 placed between a collar I I2 fastened to shaft 92 and a collar H4 loose thereon, all as described in said Johnson patent.

The sewing machine may be provided with the same type of thread puller I I6 as disclosed in the Johnson patent. 'Thread puller H6 is attached to-the upper end of an arm II'B mounted on one end of a shaft I20 which is supported by a'bracketv I22 fastened to the frame 26. To the other end of shaft I 26 is secured an arm I24 carrying a roller I26 engaging in a track formed by a pair of spaced bars I28 mounted on a gear I36. The latter is integral with a gear train (not shown) in housing 22 which is driven by a gear I32 mounted on a hub I34 to which is also secured the looper cam 86 and the main pulley 66 described heretofore. To the latter is attached a hand wheel I36 which permits manual turning of the machine. Hub I34 is loosely mounted on a stationary stud I38 fastened to the wall of housing 22.

The button supporting and handling mechanism, designated generally S, may be actuated from the main drive of the sewing machine by means of a gear I46 (Figure 1) meshing with the main driving gear I 32. As shown, gear I46 is mounted on a shaft I42 which also carries a gear I44 which in turn meshes with a gear I46 of the button supporting and handling mechanism S. Shaft I42 is supported in a suitable bearing of the wall of housing 22. Gear I46 is mounted on a horizontal shaft I 48 (Figures 2 and 3) to which is also secured a spiral gear I56 meshing with a spiral gear I52 loosely mounted on a stud I54 held by a hub I56 of a housing I56 supported by and attached to the sewing machine table 26 which is provided with a suitable cut out to accommodate all parts projecting downward from housing I58. Shaft I48 is supported by a bearing lug I66 of housing I56. Each face of spiral gear I52 is provided with a cam track I62 and I64, respectively. Track I62 is engaged by a follower I66 (Figure 2) on arm I68 pivoted to a vertical stud I16 held by a hub I12 of housing I58. The end of arm I68 is provided with a slot I14 which engages with a roller I16 pivoted to one end of a link I18, while at the other end of said link is pivoted another roller I86 running in a slot I62 of one arm I84 of a bell crank lever I65. On the end of arm I86 of bell crank lever I85 is pivoted one end of a link I88; the other end of link I 68 is pivoted to a stud I96, secured to the center portion of an arm I92. The end portion of the latter, by mean of a stud I84 is pivoted to a lever I66 loosely mounted on a stud I86 to which is also pivoted the bell crank lever I85. Stud I98 is held by a suitable hub 266 of housing I58. The end of arm I86 is also provided with a slot 262 which engages with a roller 264 pivoted to one end of a link 266 while the other end of this link carries another roller 268 engaging in a slot 2"] of an arm 2I'2 loosely mounted on the vertical stud I16. Arm 2I'2 carries a cam roller 2I4 which engages with the cam track I64 provided in the lower face of bevel gear I52. Links I16 and 266 are slidable in slots I19 and 261, respectively (Figure 3), in arm adjusting member 2I6 slidably supported at one end by a suitable hole 2I8 in a horizontal lug 226 of housing I58. The other end of member 2 I6 is provided with a threaded hole 222 in which turns the threaded portion of a stud 224 supported by a suitable bearing lug of housing I58. The free end of stud 224 extends outwardly beyond housing I58 and carries a hand knob 226 (Figure 2). A collar 228 is provided for the purpose of limiting axial play of stud 224. One side of member 2 I6 is in constant engagement with a guide surface 236 formed on the inner side wall of housing I58, thus providing a suitable means for assuring proper guidance and preventing any rotation of member 2I6.

Arm I62 is provided with a bearing plate 232 (Figures 3, 5 and 6) to which is attached a plate 234 having an extending portion 236 which forms a work support plate. Bearing plate 232 and plate 234 are slidably supported in suitable slots. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, these slots are formed by a pair of lugs 238 provided at the lower end of housing I58 and a pair of suitable guide bars 246 (Figure 6) attached to the lower surfaces of lugs 238. Bearing plate 232 carries a hub! 242 in which is secured a vertical sleeve 244 carrying on its upper end a gear 246 (Figure 4) and on its lower end a bevel gear 248. In the center of sleeve 244 is slidably supported a vertical shaft 256, the uppermost end of which is secured to a hub 252 of a horizontal plate member 254.

The walls of hub 252 constitute a cover for gear 246. The inner bottom surfaceof hub 252 rests on the top surface of gear 246. The lower end of vertical shaft 256 is provided with a rounded end 256 which is engaged by a lifter arm 258 (Figures 1 and 3) pivoted to a stud 266 (Figure I) mounted in bracket 26. Lifter arm 256 is connected by a link 262 to foot treadle 264 held by a spring 265 in inoperative position. Manual depression of treadle 264 through link 262 and arm 258 effects an upward movement of shaft 256, hub 252, and cover plate member 254 away from gears 246 and 248 which remains in their original positions. On the lower protruding portion of shaft 256 is positioned a compression spring 266 which assures the return of plate member 254 and shaft 256 to their lower original position upon release of foot treadle 264.

Plate member 254 (Figures 4 and 5) is provided with a hub 268 supporting a vertical shaft 276 on the lower end of which is mounted a gear 212 which meshes with and is driven by gear 246. Gear 212 also meshes with and drives a ring gear 224 which is mounted for rotation in a circular track 216 formed in member 254. A ring 216 secured by screws 268 to the lower side of plate member 254 confines gear 214 in proper operative position.

Plate member 254 is also provided with a circular recess 262 constructed and arranged to accommodate and position a button B for sewing to the material M. Recess 262 is provided with a hole 284 through which the needle 64 moves back and forth through a buttcn and the material M to which it is to be attached. In order to accommodate buttons of various sizes the recess may be provided with a suitable adapter (not shown).

Mounted on the lower and exposed surface of ring gear 2l'4 is a spinner on stem winder W which in the form illustrated, consists of a generally bell mouth shaped member 286 and a resilient clamp plate 268 (Figures 4, 5 and 7). Member 266 and clamp 238 cooperate to grip and hold firmly a short length of thread which is deposited therebetween as the result of movement of thread displacer 262 from its thread receiving to inactive position. The thread displacer 292 is of general loop form, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Vertical shaft 216 is provided with a reduced portion 266 which supports spaced arms of displacer 262 for sliding movement to and from thread receiving position. As shown in Figure 4, the loop' of thread displacer 262 at position a is substantially aligned with the first hole of the button through which needle 64 is to be passed in attaching the button to the material M. This movement of the needle (see Figure 5) makes available a short length of thread E for delivery by displacer 262 between member 286 and clamp 288. In moving from portion a to inactive position b, clamp 288 is moved away from member 286 and the short length of thread is disposed therebetween where it is held firmly until it is wound about the stem or shank of the stitches attaching the button to the material.

Thread displacer 292 is attached to a slide plate 294 supported and guided in a channel formed by a lug 5293 on member 254 and'a plate 298' attached thereto. The protruding end of slide plate 234 is bent upward to form a handle 30.9 which allows the machine operator to move the thread displacer 292 at the proper time to perform its designed functions.

The upper end of shaft 213 supports an indicator disc 38.4 which is provided with a locator mark 365, which is adapted to line up with a mark on a stationary indicator plate 368 attached to the side, of hub 238, during the stitching operations of the machine; The main purpose of these marks is to indicate the position of the'spinner 285-233, and since gear ,2l2 to which indicator disc see is attached, is of the same diameter as ring gear 214- carrying winder or spinner W, the position of mark 306 indicates the true position of the winder W. The position of spinner W is of some importance because as shownin Figures 4, and 9, it is adapted to be located in a neutral position between a pair of button supporting jaws 3J0 forming a part of the, button supporting and positioning device S during the stitching operation of the machine. For this reason a space is provided between the button supporting jaws 3H3 when they are in operative button supporting positions (see Figures 4 and 5).

Jaws 318 are preferably fioatingly mounted on the lower surface of member 254. One end of each jaw is pivoted to the square end 312 of a vertical stud 3%, which in turn is loosely supported in a hub 316 projecting from the upper .surface of member 254. Secured to the upper end of each stud Si l is a lock disc 3"! which on its, under side is provided with two locking indentations 32K) and 322 (Figure 4). Jaws 3H3 are locked in open or closed position b means of spring catches 324 (Figure 5) mounted in bores in hub 3H5 and urged by springs 3!! into engagement with either indentations 323 or 322 dependingupon the position of jaws 3 I 3 at the time.

The top surface of the free tip ends of jaws 3H3 preferably are provided with smooth tapered guide channel 325 in order to facilitate the insertion of a button into recess 282 of member 25 The curved seat 323 of jaws 3H) supports the bottom of the button, and locates it above the material a suitable distance such that as a result of the sewing operations, a stem or shank can be formed by winding thread end E about the portions of thread extending between the button and material M. In general, the thick ness of jaws 3H3 determines the length of shank. If longer or shorter shanks are desired, different sets of jaws may be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, mechanism has been provided for opening the jaws at the proper time to release a button seated therein. As shown in Figure 4, the jaws are swung in the direction of the arrows by means of a pair of rollers 328 rotatably mounted 180 apart on the bottom side of gear 272, each roller contacting the inner side of the corresponding jaws. The extent of opening movement of jaws 35b is controlled by the rollers 3'28 and bevel stops 333 formed on the pivoted ends of the jaws (Figure 4) which bear against corresponding end surfaces 332 on the 2-8" of the machine.

lug 296'. At'the proper time or when a buttoii isto be located for sewing, jaws 313 are closed manually by the operator. The jaw closing movement is checked by a pair of stationary stop pins 334- protruding from the lower surface of memher 254-. The latter is also provided with a guide lug 336 engaging with a vertical guide rod 338 (Figures 4 and 5) mounted on the arm I92 which assists in maintaining member 254 properly positioned when it is raised and lowered.

The floating mount of jaws 310 is preferred because it enables the machine operator to insert a button easily, and also makes possible the atsewing arrangement is illustrated in Figure 4 where a button positioned in recess 282 and supported by jaws 3 i E) is located for sewing to the material M held beneath jaws 3 i ii and on plate 236.

The entire machine is driven by a motor (not shown) through a belt 349 (Figure 1) driving a pulley M2 having a hub 344 supported and journalled in suitable ball bearings of a bearing bracket 343 secured to a support plate 348 mounted onthe'main frame of the machine (Figure 1). Hub 344 also forms a sleeve and bearing for a horizontal shaft 353 which at one end loosely supports a pulley 352 and a brake drum 354 while on the other end of shaft 335 is mounted a clutch collar 356 and a loosely supported pulley 358. The latter, by means of a belt 35%, is connected to a pulley 352 mounted on a shaft 364 supportedby a suitable bearing bracket 356' secured to the frame of the machine. Shaft 365-, through a universal joint 368, is connected to a shaft 3'10 slidablyconnected to a universal joint 3'62 secured to a shaft 3'14 supported by a bearing lug 31% profor winder W, described hereinab-ove.

Pulley 352 by means of belt 33?; is connected to pulley Bil, thus providing driving means for the sewing machine proper. Integral with pulley 352 is a conical clutch dis 382 which works in conjunction with a clutch drum 333 on the face of pulley 3%. Track 336 of clutch collar 35-6 engages with a pair of rollers 388 pivoted on a forked operating arm 39G mounted on shaft 392 "held by a suitable bearing lug of support plate 358. Clutch collar 3-55 is shifted on shaft 359 by lever 394 which is connectedby link 395 to 'a foot pedal 3-98; To the latter is attached a stabilizer spring 493- anchored to a bracket 4W2 attached to frame Springfiii is employed for the purpose of keeping foot pedal 393 always in neutral position except when actuated by the operator.

In order to operate the sewing machine, the operator steps on one side of the pedal 398 causing movement of clutch collar 355 on shaft 35ll-in the direction of the arrow A (Figure 1) This moveclutch disc 382 into engagement with the-continuously-rotating clutch drum 384 and'thus effecting a driving of the sewing machine. Upon release of foot pedal 3%, shaft 356, due to the action of spring $06, will return to its original position thereby causing shoulder 496 of shaft 350 to press against the side of clutch disc 382 and dis engage the same from the continuously rotating clutch drum 384 on pulley 3:32.

In order to operate the spinner or stem winder W, the operator depresses pedal 398 re-arwardly. This causes clutch collar 356 and shaft 350 to move in the direction of arrow C (Figure 1). Through clutch collar 356 thrust bearing 408 is pressed against pulley 358 causing a female clutch member M8, integral with pulley 358, to engage with a male clutch member A i 2 integral with hub 3 3 of pulley M2 and through belt 355? effect a driving of the stem winder W mechanism described heretofore. In moving the shaft 350 in the direction of the arrow C, the shoulder M16 of shaft 353 also presses against the side of clutch disc 332 which by means of springs 4M pressing against the hub of the brake drum 354 brings the same into contact with a stationary brake shoe M5 to prevent any possible movement of the sewing machine while the stem winder mechanism is in operation. Brake shoe M6 is secured to the supporting plate 348 by means of screws MB.

In operating the button sewing machine, the operator first depresses the foot pedal 264 to raise the button supporting member 25 3- and enable him to insert a button B in the recess 282 of said member. At the same time the material M is placed on the work support plate 236 beneath the floating jaws 3E0. The button B is so inserted and positioned that hole I in button B lines up with the needle. The foot pedal 264 is then released oausing a lowering of the button supporting member 254 and effecting a clamping of the located button B in the recess 232 by jaws 31s, and also a clamping of the material between the work supporting plate 236 and the jaws 3"].

The operator then holds the short loose end E of the thread T in needle 84 and turns the hand wheel I 36 of the sewing machine until needle 84 is transferred from the upper needle bar 32 to the lower needle bar (Figure 5) and the thread puller H6 has pulled the long, loose end of the thread L over looper 9! through the button hole I and material M and disposed it upon drum 429. When transferring the needle from the upper needle bar r 32 to the lower needle bar 34 the needle and thread also pass through the nose or loop 382 of the thread displacer 292 which at that time is lined up with hole I of the button.

As soon as the long loose end L of the thread T is disposed down about drum 42!! by the thread puller M6 on arm M8, "the operator releases the short end E of the thread and pushes the handle 3&8 of the thread displacer 252, in the direction of the arrow D in Figures 4 and 5, causing loop 3532 to move to a position indicated in dotted lines in Figure This movement of displ-acer 232 pulls the short loose end E of the thread through the button hole I and material M and between the jaws 285, 283 of the stem winder W which holds the short end E of the thread securely (Figure 7) until the button B is sewed to the material M. The short end E held by clamps 286, 288 may be considered the beginning of the thread. Upon completion of the sewing operations, it is used in finishing and binding off the stem for each button sewed.

After the short end E of the thread has been disposed between clamps 236, 283, the button sewing operations are initiated when the operator depresses treadle 398 towards himself. This connects the drive of the sewing machine to the sewing mechanisms, as described hereinabove. In the mechanism shown and described for purposes of illustration, the button supporting and positioning member 254, jaws 3H! and plate 236 carried by arm I92 are moved in a generally closed figure eight path (Figure 1a,). That is, the lower needle bar which holds the needle because of the timed movement of the arm I92 projects the needle and thread upwardly through the material and button hole II. The needle is delivered to upper needle bar 32 and the arm I92 shifts the material and button to locate button hole III in the path of the needle 34, which then is moved downwardly through this hole and the material M. As in the operation of the machine, shown in the above referred to Johnson Patent 2,386,800, before the needle and thread are passed downwardly through the button and material looper 9! moves into engagement with a loop of thread above the button, pulls some slack through the material, and swings away from the needle. Looper 9! supporting the thread then dwells, upper needle bar 32 projects the needle through button hole III and the material and lower needle bar receives and holds the needle. In timed relation to the travel of the needle arm E92 shifts 1e material and button to locate hole IV in the path of the needle on its next upward movement. Thread puller t l 5 which operates in synchronism with the needle bars then engages a loop of thread beneath the material support table 28, pulls the loose end of thread over the supporting and guiding looper 9i and disposes the same about drum 462. Following this operation needle 84 and the thread carried thereby are projected upwardly through the material and hole IV. The sewing operations continue as described until a suflicient number of stitches have been made to firmly attach a button to material M. The result of the combined movements of the material and button supporting mechanism and needle bars is such that a single thread is passed in a plurality of loops and in closed continuous paths through the button and material to which it is sewed in a manner closely simultating hand sewing.

This so-called figure eight motion is produced by the combined movements of ball crank lever I85 and lever L96 acting upon arm Hi2 and cam tracks BS2 and I64 in spiral gear 152. As explained, the method of stitching is a continuous looping of a single thread through the holes of the button and the material (Figure 8). The figure eight path stitching results in a parallel stitching on top of the button as seen in Figure 11, and a crosswise stitch on back of the material, as illustrated in Figure 12.

As soon as sufficicnt stitches are made to secure the button to the material, the operator stops the sewing mechanism by pressing the foot pedal 398 in the opposite direction, which causes the sewing machine drive mechanism to stop and the stem winding drive to start as described heretofore.

Upon starting the stem winding mechanism, the rollers 328 open jaws 380 immediately allowing the stem winder W to rotate with gear ring 274 and the short end E of thread T held by the clamping jaws of winder W is wound around the vertical portions of the stitches R between the underside of the button and material M to form a stem N for the button (Figure 9). After the end of thread E is completely wound about stitch portion R, the operator releases foot pedal 398 11. and thereby stops the winder drive. In stopping the mechanism which rotates winder W, locator mark 3% on indicator disc 3% must register with the mark or line on indicator plate 308 in order that the winder jaws 2%, 283 may be so positioned that the operator can close jaws 3H! for reception of the neXt button. The height or length of the stem depends on the thickness of jaws am or how far the button is held from the material during stitching operation.

If no stem is desired and the button is to be sewed to the material fiat, the operator by loosening screws 280 and 424 (Figures 4 and 5) may easily remove the winder carrying ring gear 2'54 and the jaw carrying studs 3M and in addition may disconnect the belt 360 (Figure 1).

In order to prevent an unwinding of stem D, the operator may either by the use of hand wheel I36 or by use of power, continue a few stitches with the efiect of tacking the stem D formed by the winder from the short end of the thread.

The invention above described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims, for the particular device, selected to illustrate the invention, is but one or" many possible concrete em bodiments of the same. It is not, therefore, to be restricted to the precise details of the structure shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a sewing machine having a material work support table, a pair of opposed needle bars adapted to alternately project a double pointed needle having a thread with a loose end back and forth through work on said table to secure a button thereto, and a thread'puller for pulling the loose end of said thread through said' work and said button once each sewing cycle, a button support located above said work table and constructed and arranged to position. said button in the path of said needle with the underside of said button spaced from said work, means for moving said support and said work in a predetermined path in a plane substantially at right angles relative to the path of movement of said needle and needle bars, and means for operating said needle bars and thread puller in timed relation to said last-named means to project said needle and thread downwardly entirely through a selected hole in said button and said work and upwardly through said work and another selected hole in said button on each alternate movement of said bars to dispose said thread in single continuous thread arrangement and sew said button to said work.

2. A button sewing machine for sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing comprising a work support, an upper and a lower needle bar located on opposite sides of said support and adapted to alternately project a double pointed needle having a thread with a loose end back and forth through selectedholes in a button, a thread. puller operating in timed relation with said bars for pulling the loose end of said thread through said Work and'button, a button clamp, means for moving said clamp to dispose said button in proper relation relative to the path of said needle, and mechanism for operating said bars and thread puller in timed relation with the movement of said clampto pass said needle in one direction completely through a selected hole in said button and through said work and in'the opposite direction through said work and a different selected hole and said work on eachv alternate movement of said bars whereby said button i5 fixed to said work by a single-continuous thread forming a plurality of continuous closed loops.

3. In a button sewing machine, a work support table, opposed aligned needle bars located 0n-op'- posite sides of said table, and constructed and arranged to alternately pass the entire length of a double pointed needle having a thread with a fixed and a loose end back and forth through said work and selected holes in a button, a movable support for said work and button, a device on said support for positioning said button in sewing .relation with respect to said work, mechanism for moving said support in a closed substantially figure eight path in a plane substantially at right angles to the path of movement of said needle, and mechanism for operating said bars intimed relation with the movement of said support to transfer said needle from one of said bars to the other on each alternate movement of said bars to cause said needle to travel back and forth through said work and difierent selected holes of said button on each transfer of said needle and dispose a single continuous thread in closed continuous loops through said work and button and thereby securesaid button to said work in a manner simulating hand sewing,

4. In a button sewing machine for simulating hand sewn buttons, a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle and a thread back and 'forth through a button and the material to which it is to be attached, a material support table, a button cl mounted above said table, means for raising said clamp to locate a button therein, mechanism for shifting said clamp in a predetermined path substantially at right anglesto the path of movement of said bars to present selected button holes to said needle, means for operating said needle bars in timed relation to the movement of said clamp to transfer said needle from one bar to the other in passing said needle downwardly'in one direction through a selected hole and said material and upwardly in the opposite direction through 'said material and a different selected hole in forming a plurality of stitches consisting of a single thread disposed in continuous closed loops in said material and button, means for in- V terrupting the operation of said bars when a sufficient number of stitches has been made, and means for securing said stitches by a portion of said thread to prevent loosening thereof.

5. In a button sewing machine for simulating hand sewn buttons,a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle and a thread back and forth;

through a button and the material to which it is to be attached, a material support table, a button clamp mounted above said table, a button support,

means for raising said clamp to locate a button in said support, mechanism for shifting said clamp and support in a predetermined path substantially at right angles to the path of movement of said bars to present selected button holes to said needle, means for operating said needle bars in timed relation to the movement of said clamp to the movement of said bars upon completion of the requisite number of stitcheameans for releasing said button from said clamp, and means for securing a portion of said thread about said stitches attaching said button to said material to prevent loosening.

6. In a button sewing machine for use in attaching buttons to material in a, manner simulating hand sewing, a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with a loose end back and forth through a button and said material, a work supporting table located between said needle bars, a button holding device, means mounting said device above said table, separable button supporting jaws carried by said device, means for moving said device relative to said table to permit introduction of a button in said jaws, means for reciprocating said bars to cause said needle and thread to pass through selected holes in said button and said material, a thread puller for pulling said loose end of said thread through said button and material during alternate movements of said bars, means for stopping the reciprocation of said bars when a sufficient number of button securing stitches have been made, and

means associated with said last-named means for opening said jaws to release said button therefrom.

7. In a button sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing, a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with a loose end back and forth through a button and the material to which it is to be attached, a Work supporting table, a button holding device mounted above said table, a work support plate carried by said device, button holding elements also carried by said device, means for lifting said device away from said table to allow introduction of a button to said elements and said material to said plate, means for moving said device in a predetermined path and in timed relation to the movement of said bars to form a plurality of stitches securing said button to said material, means for pulling said loose end of said thread through said button and material once each cycle of said machine, mechanism for stopping the operation of said bars, mechanism for locking said stitches against loosening, and means operative upon stoppage of movement of said bars for operating said last-named mechanism.

8. In a button sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing, a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with a loose end back and forth through a button and the material to which it is to be attached, a Work supporting table, a button holding device mounted above said table, a work support plate carried by said device, separable button holding elements also carried by said device, means for lifting said device away from said table to allow introduction of a button to said elements and said material to said plate, means for moving said device in a predetermined path and in timed relation to the movement of said bars to form a plurality of stitches securing said button to said material, means for pulling said loose end of said thread through said button and material once each cycle of said machine, a thread looper device mounted above said table and operative to guide said loose end of said thread during the operation of said pulling means, means for stopping the movement of said bars and travel of said button holding device, means for separating said elements to release said button, and binding means associated with said last-named means for securing said stitches against loosening.

9. A sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing comprising a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with two loose ends back and forth through a button and material to which it is to be attached, means for engaging and displacing one of said ends laterally after the first movement of said needle through a button and the material to which it is to be secured, means for operating said bars to form a plurality of stitches wherein a single thread is disposed in continuous loops through said button and said material, means operative cyclically for pulling the other loose end of said thread through said button and material, and means for securing said plurality of stitches by said displaced end of said thread.

10. A sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing comprising a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with two loose ends back and forth through a button and material to which it is to be attached, means for engaging and displacing one of said ends laterally, means for operating said bars to form a plurality of stitches through said button and said material, means for holding said displaced end of said thread against movement with said needle during the operation of said bars, means operative cyclically for pulling the other loose end of said thread through said button and material, and means for securing said disposed end of said thread about said plurality of stitches between said button and said material.

11. A sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing comprising a pair, of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with two loose ends back and forth through a button and material to which it is to be attached, means for engaging and displacing one of said ends laterally, means for operating said bars to form a plurality of stitches through said button and said material, means for holding said displaced end of said thread against movement with said needle during the operation of said bars, means operative cyclically for pulling the other loose end of said thread through said button and material, said means for holding said first-named loose end of said thread comprising a rotary support, and means for rotating said support to wind said thread about the portions of the stitches extending between said button and material.

12. A mechanical method of sewing buttons to articles of clothing in a manner simulating hand sewing which comprises positioning an article on a support, holding a button above said article, passing a double pointed needle having a thread with a loose end back and forth through the holes of said button and said article, moving said article and said button on said support in a plane substantially at right angles to the path of movement of said needle to allow said needle to pass through selected holes of said button and dispose a single thread in closed continuous loops through said article and button to secure said button to said article, by a stem, and reinforcing said stem by said thread.

13. A mechanical method of attaching buttons to articles of clothing or the like in a manner simulating hand sewing which consists in supporting 1 5 abutton above and spaced from a selected article of clothing for aifixation thereto, passing a threaded double. pointed needle back and forth through the holes in said button, and said article v to secure said button to said work and provide a thread stem extending between the bottom of said button and top of said article, laying a short length of thread upon the article of clothing prior to the formation of a plurality of stitches, wind ing said length of thread about said stem extending between the bottom of the button and the upper face of said article of clothing, and then passing said needle and thread through the windings of thread to lock the stitches and windings together.

14; In a button sewing machine for attaching buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing, a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle anda thread having a diminishable loose end back and forth through a button and the material to which it is to be attached, a material support table, a button holding device mounted above said table, means for raising said device to locate a button therein for attachment to said material, mechanism for shifting said devic in a predetermined path substantially at right angles to the movement of said bars to present selected holes in said button to said needle for passage with said thread back and forth therethrough first in one direction through one selected hole and'then in the opposite direction through a different selected hole, means for operating said needle bars in timed relation to the movement of said device to f'orma plurality of stitches through said selected holes and said material, means for pulling said loose end through said button and said material once during each cycle of said machine whereby a single continuous length of thread is disposed in a plurality of loops attaching said button to said material, and a looper mounted above said device for supporting and guiding said loose end of said thread during the operation of said pulling means.

15. In a button sewing machine for attaching buttons to material in a manner simulatin hand sewing, a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle and a thread having a diminishable loose end back and forth through a button and th material to which it is to be attached, a material support table, a device for holding a button for application to material on said table, means for operating 7 said needle bars in timed relation to the movement of said device to form a plurality of stitches through selected'holes in said button, and said material, mechanism for moving said button holding device in timed relation to the movement of said. bars to locate selected button holes in the path of travel of said needle, means for pulling said loose end through said button and said material once during each cycle of said machine whereby a single continuous length of thread is disposed in a plurality of loops attaching said button to said material, a looper mounted above said device for supporting and guiding said loose end of said thread during th operation of said pulling means, and means for securing a length of said thread about said plurality of stitches between said material and the bottom of said button.

16. A method of sewing buttons to articles of clothing or the like in a manner simulating hand sewing which comprises positioning said article on a support, holding a button spaced above and r 16 ing a double pointed needle provided with a thread having a diminishable loose end in one direction through said buttonand said article, engaging said loose end of said thread after said passage of said needle and thread through said button and article and pulling the same there through, then passing said needle and thread in the opposite'direction to complete a stitch, continuing the formation of stitches untll'a sufficient number of stitcheshas been formed and said button has been attached to said article with portions of said thread extending between the bottom of said button and top of said article forming a button supporting stem, and then securing said stitches against loosening.

17. The method of sewing buttons to a supporting material in a manner simulating hand sewing which, comprises positioning said material on a support table, locating a button above said material for application thereto, passing a double pointed needle provided with a thread having a loose end up and downthrough holes in said button and said material, moving said button and material on said table in a plane substantially at right angles to the path of movement of said needle to allow said needleand thread to pass through selected holes in said button and said material, and pulling the loose end of said thread through said button and said material prior to each movement 01" said needle upward during the formation of each stitch whereby said thread is secured in single continuous thread arrangement in said button and material in closed continuous paths.

18. A method of sewing buttons to articles of loose end in one direction through said button and said article, engaging saidrelatively long diminishable loose end of said thread after passage of said needle and thread through said article and said button and pulling the same therethrough, displacing said relatively short loose end laterally between said button and said article and securing said displaced end against movement, then passing said thread and said needle in the opposite direction through said material and a selected button hole to complete a stitch, continuing the formation of stitches until a sufficient number of stitches has, been formed and pulling the diminishable loose end of said thread through said button and article upon the formation of each stitch, and then winding said relatively short loose end of said thread about those portions of stitches extending between the button and the article to form a stem and secure said stitches against loosening.

19. The method of sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing which comprises positioning said material on a support table, locating a button above said material for application thereto, passing a double pointed needle having a loose end up and down through holes in said button and said material, securing a portion of said thread against. movement between said button and said article, moving said article and material on said table in a plane substantially'at right angles to the path of movement' of said needle to allow said needle and thread to pass through selected holes in said button and said article, pulling the loose end of said thread through said button and said material prior to each movement of said needle upward during the formation of each stitch whereby said thread is secured in single continuous thread arrangement in said button and material in closed continuous paths, and winding said secured portion of said thread about those portions of the stitches extending between the button and the article to form a button supporting stem, said stem supporting said button away from said articles.

20. In a button sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing, opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to pass a double pointed needle back and fourth through selected holes in a button and said material, said needle being provided with a thread having a loose end, a thread puller located beneath said material for cyclically pulling said loose end of said thread through said button and material, a looper mounted above said material and button and constructed and arranged to support and guide said loose end of said thread, a button support, a rotary spinner associated with said button support, means for disposing a short length of thread in said spinner, means for moving said support in timed relation to the movement of said needle for positioning selected button holes in the path of said needle, means for releasing the button from said support, and means for rotating said spinner to wind said thread held therein about the portions of the stitches extending between the button and the material.

21. A sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing comprising a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with two loose ends back and forth through a button and material to which it is to be attached, a spinner device, means for displacing one of said loose ends of thread laterally after the first movement of said needle through a button and the material to which it is to be secured and locating the same in said device, means for operating said bars to form a plurality of stitches through said button and said material, means operative cyclically for pulling the other loose-end of said thread through said button and material, means for stopping the operation of said bars, and means for operating said spinner to wind the thread held therein about those portions of the stitches extending between the button and the material.

22. A sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing comprising a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with two loose ends back and forth through a button and the material to which it is to be attached, a button support, said support including a pair of pivoted button supporting jaws, a rotary spinner device mounted between said jaws, means for locating one of said loose ends of thread in said spinner, means for moving said button support to position selected holes in said button in the path of travel of said needle, means operating in timed relation therewith for reciprocating said bars to form a plurality of stitches through said button and said material, means operative cyclically for pulling the other loose end of said thread through said button and said material, means for stopping the reciprocation of said bars when sufficient stitches have been formed, means for 18 opening said jaws to release a button held therein, and means for initiating the movement of said spinner to rotate the same about the portions of stitches extending between said button and said material to wind the thread held by said spinner about said portions of said stitches.-

23. A sewing machine for use in sewing buttons to material in a manner simulating hand sewing comprising a pair of opposed needle bars constructed and arranged to project a double pointed needle having a thread with two loosev ends back and forth through a button and material to which it is to be attached, a button support, a thread puller for pulling one loose end of said thread through said button and said material after the first movement of said needle through a button hole and said material, a thread displacer coacting with said support,

means for locating said displacer in position to engage the other of said loose ends of said thread, a rotary clamp positioned to receive said other loose end of said thread from said displacer and hold the same against movement, means for operating said needle bars to form a plurality of stitches through said button and said material,

means for operating said thread puller cyclically for pulling the first-named loose end of said thread through said button and material, means for stopping the operation of said bars when sufficient stitches have been made to secure said button to said material, and means for rotating said clamp to wind the thread held therein about the portions of the stitches extending between the button and the material.

24. Button supporting mechanism for a button 25. Button supporting mechanism for a but-1 ton sewing machine comprising a housing having abutton receiving recess, mounted button supporting jaws carried by said housing and constructed and arranged to support a button;

located in said recess and spaced from the material to which it is to be sewed, a rotary spinner device mounted concentric with said recess, a thread clamp carried by said device, driving mechanism for rotating said spinner device, and means for controlling the inoperative position of said spinner device relative to said button supporting jaws.

26. Button supporting mechanism for a button sewing machine comprising a housing having a button receiving recess, mounted button supporting jaws carried by said housing and constructed and arranged to support a button located in said recess, a rotary spinner device mounted concentric with said recess, a thread clamp carried by said device, and driving mechanism for rotating said spinner device, said mechanism including a gear, means on said gear engaging said jaws to open the same and release a button therein.

27. Button supporting mechanism for a button sewing machine comprising a housing having a button receiving recess, fioatingly mounted button supporting jaws carried by said housing and constructed and arranged to support a button located in said recess, a rotary spinner device mounted concentric-"With Said' rcc'ss', a thread c'la'mp carriedby said device, driving mechanism forrotating said spinner'devic'e, said mechanism including a' gear, means o'ri'said" gear engaging said jaws toopenthe same and release a button supported therein; and" meahs arried by' said jaws "for'locking' said jawsin open position during 15116 IfitaIlZiOn of said Spifihf device. 7

2& Button supportingmechanism for" a but-' ton sewing machine comp-rising a" housing h'av-' ingafbtitton' receiving recess, fioatingly mounted button supporting j Car-T18121 by Said housing" an'd'constructed and arranged to support a buttori located in said recess, a rotary'spinner' de-- vice mounted concentric" with said recess, a

thread clamp carriedby said device, driving mechanism for rotatingsaid spinner device, and

meansfor raising and lowering said housing to' locateia' button Within said j'aw's' and permit 'th'e' introduction of the material to'wh'ich said but tonisto' be attached.

29. In a button sewing machine, a' housing haVingabutton positioning recess, a pair of pivoted floatingly mounted button supporting jaws provided with button supporting surfaces,

and bevel portions permitting introduction of material towhich a button is to be attached therebeneath, a movable member supporting said housing, means for moving said member and nousmg'm a closed continuous path for positioning selectedholesin a-button in propersewing'relationshiprelative to a needle, means holding' said jaws in closed button supporting position, and driving mechanism including means for opening said jaws, and other means on said jaws'for securing said jaws inopen' position.

30. In a button sewing machine providedwith opposed reciprocating needle bars constructed and arranged to pass a double pointed needle and a' thread back and fbrth'thr'ough selected holes" in abutton and the material to which" said button istd-b attached, abutton support positioned between said needle bar's-,- coacting mechanism for driving said needle bars, and mdiiii'lg Said support in a pl'detlifiined path and'in ai-planesub'staritially'at right angles to the path of movement of said needle; a-thread' spinning device carried by said support, means normally holding said device inoperative: during:

the: operation of said needle bars and support, and-means for initiating rotary'movement of said spinner device upon interruption of the: movemerit of said needle bars" and said support.

31-. Button'supporting mechanism for a button sewing machine comprising a button support for supporting a button spaced from the material to which it is to be attached, button clamping 20" means for holding" saidbuttonon'i said support; mechanism for'moving said support and means in a predetermined path for passage of a needle and a thread throughselected holes in said but- -ton',- during the formation of a plurality of stitches attaching said button to said material, and means for winding a portion of said needle thread aboutsa'id' stitches between said material and-the bottom of'said button.

32. Button supporting mechanism for a but ton sewing machine comprising abutton suppcrt for supporting" a buttonspaced from the material: to whichit' is to be attached, guides oh' said-support for guiding a button into at taching position on said support, mechanism for:

moving said support in a predetermined pathlfor passage of a needle and athr'ead through selected holes in said button,d'uring the formation of a.

plurality of stitches attaching said buttonto said. material, and means for wrapping a portion of said needle thread about saidstitches between. said material and the 'bottom ofs'aid button.

33. Button'supporting mechanism for a but tori sewing'machin'e comprising a pair of buttorisupporting jaws constructed andarranged to support a button in spaced relation above material tow'hich said button is tobe attached:

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS N umber Name 7 Date 1,336,346 Darley Apr. 6, 1929 1,327,191 Blasi Jan. 6, 1920 1,359,858 Barron Nov. 2B, 1926 1,719,785 Scharf July 2, 1929 1,931,447 Naftali et a1 Oct. 17, 1933 1,985,366 Fifield a Dec. 25, 1934 2,294,471 Lyons Sept. 1, 1942 2,341,184 McCann -1 Feb. 8, 1944- 

